Bought it for sailing and kayaking. Looked like it would be perfect for me since it appeared lightweight, which it was, and had pockets for all my little gear I carry to take photos, etc. Unfortunately, it was just too bulky for kayaking, and with "stuff" in the pockets, it would be even more bulky. I think it would be a great jacket for fishing.

Bought this life vest for use in kayaking. Looked great online and when it arrived it looked even better. When I put it on, found it to be very, very bulky, making it not very comfortable. The pockets are great, but if you put anything into them, it makes it bulkier. The quality appears to be excellent and the jacket also looks great. I wore it around the house for a short time and decided it would not work for me.

I went on multiple canoe trips and it was really comfortable for a 2-8hr day of paddling. Easy to adjust straps, and pleanty of pocket room. Portaged canoes with it on and the adjustable shoulder straps weren't digging into my shoulders.

Kokatuk is a great company. I have the yellow dry suit and now the yellow life jacket. While it is slightly bulky at first, there are lots of adjustments. You know boaters will see you and you know this will save your life if you go overboard. There is plenty of room to move around and fish and not feel constricted. Just the front chestal area is slightly bulky feeling but you get used to that and probably want that if you are ocean kayak fishing around big boats and surf.

After 2 of us (1 male + 1 female) trying on many, many vests for kayaking, we both felt this was far superior in materials, workmanship, features and COMFORT of all the brands and styles we tried on. (some costing considerably more)

Had actually planned on getting a cheaper vest, (we were also paddle shopping) but after checking them all out, there was no question that it was worth spending the $ for this Kokatat.

FYI: Most of the others pushed on the back of my neck when snugged up properly and this one did not and was very comfortable otherwise. So I did not need the women's specific in this vest. (which costs more) It also works perfectly w/the higher back "First Class Seat" on our Native kayak even on 5' me.

We are new to kayaking and haven't tried on $200+ pfd's so don't know if those would be any better. But in the under $200 range this was definitely the best! EMS was having a sale so got it for just under $100, but I would say it is well worth it even @ the reg. price.